Silverwood Lake

Silverwood Lake

Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times

Susan Carpenter rides a Sea-Doo at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in Hesperia, Calif. The L.A. Times reporter was out to write a story about watercraft fun -- and to confront her fear of the water.

Susan Carpenter rides a Sea-Doo at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in Hesperia, Calif. The L.A. Times reporter was out to write a story about watercraft fun -- and to confront her fear of the water. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

Susan Carpenter rides a Sea-Doo at Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area in Hesperia, Calif. The L.A. Times reporter was out to write a story about watercraft fun -- and to confront her fear of the water.